An officer from the Vientiane customs inspection unit, who asked not to be named, told Vientiane Times yesterday that most of the vehicles were luxury vehicles that had been ordered by individuals, not an import company.

He said some had been imported from third countries for use in Laos, by various means. They had falsified documents to avoid customs payments, which is illegal, so customs officials impounded them.

He explained that some had fake importation documents which claimed the vehicles would be used in various projects around the country, which proved not to be the case.

Officials also told Vientiane Times that so far no one had come forward to claim the vehicles.

However, officials are making repeated calls through the media for the vehicles’ owners to make themselves known. If no one comes forward within four months the vehicles will become the property of the state.

According to the customs inspection team, to prevent illegal imports they are targeting their investigations around border areas and are continuing to deal with their remaining cases to alleviate the problem.

Authorities have called on the public to comply with the Customs Department’s regulations regarding vehicle imports. Interested car buyers should connect with local companies if they want to import a vehicle.